New Study Aims to Uncover Genetic Factors for Hearing
Loss
August 2006
Editor: It looks like the study of genetic factors that affect hearing
loss as people age is becoming an area of significant research, and it
raises hope that treatment might eventually become available. Here's a press
release from TGen about a study they are beginning.
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Researchers at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), the
House Ear Institute (HEI) and other organizations have initiated a study to
identify the genes and genetic interactions involved in age-related hearing
loss (presbycusis). The study, which was funded primarily by The Seaver
Foundation, will use the latest state-of-the-art gene chip technology to
uncover the genetic predisposition of presbycusis, a disorder thought to be
caused by multiple genes, the environment and ethnicity. Affymetrix, a
company specializing in tools for scientific research, is providing the
micro-array technology necessary for processing the DNA samples in this
study. Through an understanding of its molecular mechanisms, scientists hope
to develop earlier diagnostics and ultimately prevent the disorder.
Presbycusis is the loss of hearing that gradually occurs in most
individuals as they age. About 30-35 percent of adults between the ages of
65 and 75 years have a hearing loss. It is estimated that 40-50 percent of
people 75 years and older have a hearing loss, according to the National
Institutes of Health, and it often leads to isolation and depression.
"This study will serve as a foundation for gene discoveries in other
complex diseases and provides the groundwork for early diagnosis and
treatment of age-related hearing loss," said Rick A. Friedman, MD, PhD, the
principal investigator of the study at HEI.
Researchers at TGen, working with their counterparts at the House Ear
Institute, will utilize the Affymetrix technology to examine DNA
markers-500,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)-in high throughput
fashion, which will provide them with the opportunity to define the genetic
basis of this prevalent disorder. The study will evaluate nearly 2,000
patient samples collected at the Hereditary Deafness Laboratory at the
University of Antwerp, in Belgium. One of the short-term goals of the study
is to create a screening chip to identify variations in specific genes that
lead to presbycusis.
"This is a new era in medical research and our expertise in genetics will
allow inroads to be made into this disorder," said Dietrich Stephan, PhD,
head of TGen's Neurogenomics Division.
"Although it has been known that genes play an important role in
age-related hearing loss, the exact nature of these genes has not been
investigated until now," said Guy Van Camp, PhD, University of Antwerp.
"This project will put age-related hearing loss at the forefront of genetic
research."
About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), a non-profit
501(c)(3) organization, is focused on developing earlier diagnostics and
smarter treatments. Translational genomics research is a relatively new
field employing innovative advances arising from the Human Genome Project
and applying them to the development of diagnostics, prognostics and
therapies for cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and other complex
diseases. TGen's research is based on personalized medicine and the
institute plans to accomplish its goals through robust and disease-focused
research. For more information, visit www.tgen.org.
About House Ear Institute
HEI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing hearing
science through research and education to improve quality of life.
Established in 1946 by Howard P. House, MD, as the Los Angeles Foundation of
Otology, and later renamed for its founder, the HEI has been engaged in the
scientific exploration of the auditory system from the ear canal to the
cortex of the brain for 60 years. HEI scientists continue to explore the
developing ear and ear diseases at the cell and molecular level, as well as
the complex ear-brain interaction. They are also working to improve hearing
aids and auditory implants, diagnostics, clinical treatments and
intervention methods. For information on HEI, please call 213-483-4431 or
visit the Web site at www.hei.org.
About the Hereditary Deafness Laboratory, University of Antwerp
This research group, headed by Dr. Van Camp, has localized and identified
many genes for different forms of hereditary deafness over the last 10
years. Most of this work was based on tissues from large families, collected
in Belgium and The Netherlands. Over the last two years, this laboratory has
started with the analysis of complex forms of hearing impairment such as
presbycusis and noise-induced hearing impairment. These types of hearing
impairment are caused by a complex interplay between environmental factors,
such as noise or exposure to toxic substances or medication, and genes that
make people susceptible. The laboratory has developed new methodologies for
the analysis of these diseases.
About Affymetrix
Affymetrix is a pioneer in creating breakthrough tools that are driving
the genomic revolution. By applying the principles of semiconductor
technology to the life sciences, Affymetrix develops and commercializes
systems that enable scientists to improve quality of life. The company's
customers include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrichemical, diagnostics
and consumer products companies as well as academic, government and other
non-profit research institutes. Affymetrix offers an expanding portfolio of
integrated products and services, including its integrated GeneChip brand
platform, to address growing markets focused on understanding the
relationship between genes and human health. Additional information on
Affymetrix can be found at www.affymetrix.com.
